Control device base that attaches to the paddle actuator of a mechanical switch

ABSTRACT

A remote control device may control electrical loads and/or load control devices of a load control system without accessing electrical wiring. The remote control device may be configured to be mounted over an installed mechanical switch having a paddle actuator and may include a base and a control unit that is configured to be removably attached to the base. The base may include a frame, a clamp arm, a screw, and/or a sleeve. The clamp arm may be configured to secure the base to a protruding portion of the paddle actuator. The clamp arm may be attached to the frame at a pivot joint. The clamp arm may be configured to pivot about the pivot joint. The pivot joint may be located proximate to an endpoint or a midpoint of the frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES

This application is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/676,934, filed Nov. 7, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/756,637, filed Nov. 7, 2018, andU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/878,527, filed Jul. 25, 2019,the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

During the installation of typical load control systems, standardmechanical switches, such as traditional toggle switches or decoratorpaddle switches, may be replaced by more advanced load control devices,such as dimmer switches, that control the amount of power delivered froman alternating current (AC) power source to one or more electricalloads. Such an installation procedure typically requires that theexisting mechanical switch be disconnected from the electrical wiringand removed from a wallbox in which it is mounted, and that the loadcontrol device then be connected to the electrical wiring and installedin the wallbox. An average consumer may not feel comfortable performingthe electrical wiring required in such an installation. Accordingly,such a procedure may typically be performed by an electrical contractoror other skilled installer. However, hiring an electrical contractor maybe cost prohibitive to the average consumer.

Controllable light sources, such as controllable screw-in light-emittingdiode (LED) lamps, may provide an easier solution for providing advancedcontrol of lighting. For example, an older incandescent lamp simply beunscrewed from a socket and the controllable light source may be screwedinto the socket. The controllable light sources may be controlled byremote control devices. However, the sockets in which the controllablelight sources are installed may be controlled by an existingwall-mounted light switch. When the wall-mounted light switch isoperated to an off position, power to the controllable light source maybe cut, such that the controllable light source may no longer respond tocommands transmitted by the remote control devices. Accordingly, it isdesirable to prevent operation of such a wall-mounted light switch toensure that the delivery of power to the controllable light sourcecontinues uninterrupted.

SUMMARY

As described herein, a remote control device for use in a load controlsystem, for example to control electrical loads and/or load controldevices, may be configured to be mounted over an installed mechanicalswitch having a paddle actuator. The mechanical switch may controlwhether power is delivered to an electrical load. The remote controldevice may be installed without accessing electrical wiring of themechanical switch.

The remote control may include a base and a control unit that isconfigured to be removably attached to the base. The control unit mayinclude a user interface and a wireless communication circuit. Thecontrol unit may translate a user input received at the user interfaceinto a control signal that controls a load control device. The controlunit may cause the wireless communication circuit to transmit thecontrol signal.

The base may include a frame, a clamp arm, a screw, and/or a sleeve. Theframe may define an opening that is configured to receive a protrudingportion of the paddle actuator. When the protruding portion of thepaddle actuator is received in the opening, the frame may at leastpartially surround the paddle actuator. The frame may include an outerwall that extends along a perimeter of the frame. The frame may defineone or more teeth that extend into the opening. The one or more teethmay be configured to engage the protruding portion of the paddleactuator, for example, to secure the base thereto. The frame may beconfigured for releasable attachment of the control unit. The outer wallmay define one or more snaps configured to engage corresponding featuresin the control unit.

The clamp arm may define one or more teeth configured to engage theprotruding portion of the paddle actuator, for example, to secure thebase thereto. The clamp arm may be configured to secure the base to theprotruding portion of the paddle actuator. The sleeve may be defined bythe frame or may be attached to the frame. The sleeve may include athreaded hole therethrough. The screw may be received in the sleeve andmay be operatively engaged with the clamp arm. When the screw isrotated, the clamp arm may be moved toward the protruding portion of thepaddle actuator until the clamp arm abuts the protruding portion of thepaddle actuator. The clamp arm may be configured to apply a force on theprotruding portion of the paddle actuator as the screw is furtherrotated when the clamp arm abuts the protruding portion of the paddleactuator. The force applied by the clamp arm may be configured to securethe base to the protruding portion of the paddle actuator

The clamp arm may be attached to the frame at a pivot joint. The clamparm may be configured to pivot about the pivot joint. The pivot jointmay be located proximate to a midpoint of the frame. The clamp arm maydefine a threaded hole that is configured to receive the screw. Thescrew (e.g., the head of the screw) may be configured to pull the clamparm toward the protruding portion of the paddle actuator as the screw isrotatably received by the threaded hole.

Alternatively, the pivot joint may be located proximate to a lower edgeof the frame. The clamp arm may define a plate that is configured toengage a distal end of the screw. The screw may be configured to pushthe plate while rotating such that the clamp arm moves toward theprotruding portion of the paddle actuator as the distal end of the screwengages the plate.

A remote control device may include a battery holder that is configuredto be received within a void defined by the remote control device. Thebattery holder may be configured to receive a battery for poweringelectrical circuitry of the remote control device. The battery holdermay include a mounting flange, a first arm, and a second arm. Themounting flange may be configured to attach the battery holder to aprinted circuit board (PCB) of the remote control device. The first armmay extend from the mounting flange in a first direction. The first armmay be configured to secure the battery of the remote control devicewithin the battery holder in a first position. The second arm may extendfrom the mounting flange in a second direction that is opposed to thefirst direction. The second arm may be configured to secure the batteryof the remote control device within the battery holder in a secondposition. The first arm may be configured to electrically couple thebattery, in the first position, to the remote control device via thePCB. The second arm may be configured to electrically couple thebattery, in the second position, to the remote control device via thePCB.

A battery holder of a remote control device may include mountingflanges, an electrical contact member, a slot, and a tab. The mountingflanges may be configured to attach the battery holder to a PCB of theremote control device. The electrical contact member may extend betweenthe mounting flanges. The electrical contact member may be configured toelectrically couple the battery to the remote control device via thePCB. The electrical contact member may define a first edge and anopposed second edge. The electrical contact member may be configured tosecure the battery of the remote control device within the batteryholder in a first position when installed from the first edge. Theelectrical contact member may be configured to secure the battery of theremote control device within the battery holder in a second positionwhen installed from the second edge. The slot may be defined between theelectrical contact member and the PCB. The slot may be configured toreceive the battery. The tab may be configured to engage the batterywhen installed in the first position and the second position. The tabmay be configured to prevent the battery from being installed within thebattery holder beyond a predefined location.

A remote control device may include a control unit, a cover base, acover portion, and a control base. The control unit may include a userinterface and/or a wireless communication circuit. The control unit maybe configured to translate a user input from the user interface into acontrol signal that controls a load control device. The control unit maybe configured to cause the wireless communication circuit to transmitthe control signal. The cover base may define an opening that isconfigured to receive a protruding portion of a paddle actuator of themechanical switch. The protruding portion of the paddle actuator mayproject outward when the mechanical switch is operated into a positionthat causes power to be delivered to the electrical load. When theprotruding portion is received in the opening, the frame may at leastpartially surround the paddle actuator. The cover base may include aclamp arm that is configured to secure the cover base to the protrudingportion of the paddle actuator. The cover base may include a screw thatis operatively engaged with the clamp arm such that, when the screw isrotated, the clamp arm is moved toward the protruding portion of thepaddle actuator until the clamp arm abuts the protruding portion of thepaddle actuator. The cover portion may be configured to cover the paddleactuator and the cover base. The control unit may be configured toreleasably attach to the control base. The clamp arm may be configuredto apply a force upon the protruding portion of the paddle actuator asthe screw is further rotated when the clamp arm abuts the protrudingportion of the paddle actuator. The force applied by the clamp arm maybe configured to secure the cover base to the protruding portion of thepaddle actuator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example remote control device, withthe remote control device mounted in an installed position over a lightswitch.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example base component of the exampleremote control device illustrated in FIG. 1 attached to a paddleactuator of the light switch.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the example base component of theexample remote control device illustrated in FIG. 1 attached to thepaddle actuator of the light switch.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the example base component of the exampleremote control device illustrated in FIG. 1 attached to the paddleactuator of the light switch.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the example base component of theexample remote control device illustrated in FIG. 1 attached to thepaddle actuator of the light switch.

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded view of the example remote control deviceillustrated in FIG. 1, showing the example base component before beinginstalled to the light switch.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the example base component of theexample remote control device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the example base component of theexample remote control device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate base component of theexample remote control device illustrated in FIG. 1 attached to a paddleactuator of the light switch.

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the alternate base component ofthe example remote control device illustrated in FIG. 1 attached to apaddle actuator of the light switch.

FIG. 11 is a partially exploded view of the example remote controldevice illustrated in FIG. 1, showing the alternate base componentbefore being installed to the light switch.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the alternate base component shown inFIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the alternate base componentshown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example remote control device havingan alternate control unit configuration.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the example remote control device shown inFIG. 14 having an alternate control unit configuration.

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of an example control unitillustrating a battery clamp configuration with the battery installed ina first position.

FIG. 17 is another rear perspective view of the example control unitshown in FIG. 16 without the battery installed.

FIG. 18 is a cross-section view of the example control unit shown inFIG. 16 mounted to a light switch and illustrating the battery locatedin the first position.

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of another example control unitillustrating an alternate battery clamp configuration with the batteryinstalled in a first position.

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the example control unit shown inFIG. 19, illustrating the alternate battery clamp configuration with thebattery installed in a second position.

FIG. 21 is a rear view of the example control unit shown in FIG. 19,illustrating the alternate battery clamp configuration with the batteryinstalled in the first position.

FIG. 22 is a rear view of the example control unit shown in FIG. 19,illustrating the alternate battery clamp configuration with the batteryinstalled in the second position.

FIG. 23 is a cross-section view of the example control unit shown inFIG. 19 mounted to a light switch and illustrating the battery in thefirst position in relation to the paddle actuator of the mechanicalswitch.

FIG. 24 is a cross-section view of the example control unit shown inFIG. 19 mounted to a light switch and illustrating the battery in thesecond position in relation to the paddle actuator of the mechanicalswitch.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an example remote control device havinganother alternate control unit configuration.

FIG. 26 is a partially exploded view of the example remote controldevice shown in FIG. 25 with an example base component attached to apaddle actuator of a light switch.

FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of an example control unit and anexample adapter of the example remote control device shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a front view of the example base component of the exampleremote control device illustrated in FIG. 25 attached to the paddleactuator of the light switch.

FIG. 29 is a cross-section view of the example base component of theexample remote control device illustrated in FIG. 25 attached to thepaddle actuator of the light switch.

FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the example remote control device shownin FIG. 25.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the example base component of theexample remote control device illustrated in FIG. 25.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the example base component of theexample remote control device illustrated in FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts an example remote control device 100 that may beinstalled in a load control system, such as a lighting control system.FIGS. 2-8 depict an example base 120 (e.g., a base component) of theexample remote control device 100 installed in the load control system.The load control system may include a mechanical switch, such as theillustrated mechanical switch 190, that may be in place prior toinstallation of the remote control device 100, for example pre-existingin the load control system. As shown, the mechanical switch 190 may be astandard decorator paddle switch. The load control system may furtherinclude one or more electrical loads, such as lighting loads. Themechanical switch 190 may be coupled in series electrical connectionbetween an alternating current (AC) power source and the one or moreelectrical loads (not shown).

The mechanical switch 190 may include a paddle actuator 192 that may beactuated to turn on and/or turn off, the one or more electrical loads.The mechanical switch 190 may include a bezel 194 that surrounds thepaddle actuator 192. The mechanical switch 190 may include a yoke (notshown) that enables mounting of the mechanical switch 190 to astructure. For example, the yoke of the illustrated mechanical switch190 may be fastened to a single-gang wallbox that is installed in anopening of a wall. As shown, a faceplate 196 may be secured to themechanical switch 190, for instance to the yoke. The faceplate 196 maydefine an opening 198 that extends therethrough. The opening 198 may besized to receive the bezel 194 therein, such that a narrow gap 197 isdefined between the bezel 194 and the opening 198 around the perimeterof the bezel 194. As shown, with the faceplate 196 secured to themechanical switch 190, the bezel 194 may protrude beyond an outersurface 199 of the faceplate 196. The outer surface 199 of the faceplate196 may alternatively be referred to as a front surface of the faceplate196.

In accordance with the illustrated orientation of the mechanical switch190, an upper portion of the paddle actuator 192 may define a firstactuation surface 191 that may be pressed to operate the paddle actuator192 into a first position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2A) from a secondposition, and a lower portion of the paddle actuator 192 may define asecond actuation surface 193 that may be pressed to operate the paddleactuator 192 from the first position into the second position. As shown,the first position of the paddle actuator 192 may correspond to an “on”position of the mechanical switch 190, which corresponds to themechanical switch 190 allowing power from the AC power source to bedelivered to the one or more electrical loads. With the paddle actuator192 in the first position, the lower portion of the paddle actuator 192may project outward relative to the bezel 194 and the faceplate 196. Thelower portion of the paddle actuator 192 that projects outward relativeto the bezel 194 and the faceplate 196 may be referred to as aprotruding portion of the paddle actuator 192. It should be appreciatedthat in an alternative configuration in which the second position of thepaddle actuator 192 corresponds to the first position of the mechanicalswitch 190, the upper portion of the paddle actuator 192 may projectoutward relative to the bezel 194 and the faceplate 196, and thus may bereferred to as the protruding portion of the paddle actuator 192.

The load control system may further include a load control device (notshown) that is electrically connected to the one or more electricalloads (e.g., lighting loads). The load control device may include a loadcontrol circuit for controlling the intensity of one or more of thelighting loads between a low-end intensity (e.g., approximately 1%) anda high-end intensity (e.g., approximately 100%), and may include awireless communication circuit. In an example implementation, the loadcontrol device may be a standalone dimmer switch that is electricallyconnected to the one or more lighting loads. In another exampleimplementation, each of the one more electrical loads may be acontrollable light source (e.g., a screw-in light-emitting diode (LED)lamp) that each may include a respective integrated load control circuitand wireless communication circuit (e.g., the electrical load includes acorresponding load control device that is configured for wirelesscommunication). It should be appreciated that the load control system isnot limited to the example load control devices described herein.

As shown, the example remote control device 100 may include a controlunit 110 that may be mounted to the base 120. The base 120 mayalternatively be referred to as a base portion or a mounting assembly.The control unit 110 and the base 120 may be configured such that thecontrol unit 110 may be removably attached to the base 120. The base 120may be attached to the paddle actuator 192 of the mechanical switch 190without removing the faceplate 196. In this regard, the remote controldevice 100 may be mounted over an installed mechanical switch, such asthe mechanical switch 190, without the need to remove the faceplate 196and/or perform any electrical re-wiring of the mechanical switch 190.

The control unit 110 may include a user interface comprising anactuation portion 112 that may be attached to a housing 114. Theactuation portion 112 may include a front surface 115 having an upperportion 116 and a lower portion 118. The actuation portion 112 may beconfigured to pivot about a central axis in response to an actuation ofthe upper portion 116 and the lower portion 118. The control unit 110may be configured to control an electrical load. For example, thecontrol unit 110 may be configured to turn the electrical load on inresponse to an actuation of the upper portion 116 and to turn theelectrical load off in response to an actuation of the lower portion118. The front surface 115 of the actuation portion 112 may also beconfigured as a touch sensitive surface (e.g., a capacitive touchsurface) that is configured to receive (e.g., detect) inputs, such asgestures, from a user of the control unit 110. The control unit 110 mayalso include a light bar 119 configured to be illuminated by one or morelight sources (e.g., one or more LEDs) to visibly display information.The front surface 115 of the actuation portion 112 may be actuated alongthe light bar 119 to adjust the amount of power delivered to theelectrical load according to the position of the actuation.

As shown, the base 120 may include a clamp arm 130 (e.g., a bar), ascrew 140, and a frame 150. The frame 150 may include a plate 152 and anouter wall 154 that extends from the plate 152. The outer wall 154 mayextend from a perimeter of the plate 152. The outer wall 154 may includea first end wall 122, an opposed second end wall 124, and opposed sidewalls 126 that extend from respective ends of the first end wall 122 tocorresponding ends of the second end wall 124. The plate 152 may definea rear surface 128 of the base 120.

The frame 150 may define an opening 156. The opening 156 may beconfigured to receive the protruding portion of the paddle actuator 192,for example, when the base 120 is installed over the mechanical switch190. When the protruding portion of the paddle actuator 192 is receivedin the opening 156, the frame 150 may at least partially surround thepaddle actuator 192. The opening 156 may extend through approximately alower half of the plate 152. The base 120 may define one or more teeth144. The teeth 144 may extend into the opening 156. For example, theteeth 144 may extend into the opening 156 proximate to the rear surface128 of the base 120. The teeth 144 may be configured to engage a side ofthe protruding portion of the paddle actuator 192.

The frame 150 may define a sleeve 142 that is configured to receive thescrew 140. The sleeve 142 may include internal threads that cooperatewith the threads of the screw 140. The sleeve 142 may be located alongthe second end wall 124 of the outer wall 154. Although the sleeve 142is biased toward the clamp arm 130 in FIGS. 1-8, it should beappreciated that the sleeve 142 may be located at a midpoint of thesecond end wall 124, biased towards the side wall 126 that is distalfrom the clamp arm 130, or another location along the second end wall124. A length of the screw 140 may be configured based on the locationof the sleeve 142 along the second end wall 124. Although the sleeve 142is located along the second end wall 124 of the frame 150, it should beappreciated that the sleeve 142 may be located at other locations of thebase 120.

The outer wall 154 may define a plurality of attachment members 157. Forexample, each of the opposed side walls may include on or moreattachment members 157. The attachment members 157 may be configured toengage corresponding features of the housing 114 of the control unit 110such that the control unit can be releasably attached to the base 120.The attachment members 157 may be snaps (e.g., resilient snap-fitconnectors).

The clamp arm 130 may be configured to secure (e.g., attach) the base120 to the protruding portion of the paddle actuator 192 of themechanical switch 190. The clamp arm 130 may abut the protruding portionof the paddle actuator 192. For example, as shown the clamp arm 130 maybe configured to apply a force on the protruding portion of the paddleactuator 192 as the screw 140 is driven (e.g., further rotated) into thesleeve 142. The clamp arm 130 may define a hole 134 (e.g., as shown inFIG. 8) that is configured to receive the screw 140. A head 141 of thescrew 140 may be configured to abut the clamp arm 130 as the screw 140is driven into the sleeve 142. The clamp arm 130 may include one or moreteeth, for example, such as the tooth 132 shown in FIG. 8. The tooth 132may extend from the clamp arm 130 and into the opening 156. The tooth132 may be configured to engage (e.g., bite into) the protruding portionof the paddle actuator 192. Although shown as having a triangularprism-like shape, it should be appreciated that the tooth 132 may definevarious shapes, for example, such as a cylinder-like shape, a cone-likeshape, a pyramid-like shape, and/or another similar shape.

The clamp arm 130 may be pivotally attached to the base 120. Forexample, the base 120 may define a tab 159 that extends from the outerwall 154 (e.g., one of the side walls 126) of the base 120. The tab 159may define a pivot joint 136 therethrough. The pivot joint 136 may belocated proximate to a midpoint of the frame 150. The clamp arm 130 maybe connected to the tab 159 at the pivot joint 136. The pivot joint 136may be configured to enable operation of the clamp arm 130 between adisengaged position and an engaged position with the protruding portionof the paddle actuator 192. The screw 140 may be operatively engagedwith the clamp arm 130. For example, the clamp arm 130 may pivot aboutthe pivot joint 136 and move toward the protruding portion of the paddleactuator 192 as the screw 140 is rotated within the sleeve 142. Theclamp arm 130 may move toward the protruding portion of the paddleactuator 192 until the clamp arm 130 abuts the protruding portion.

The disengaged position may be defined as the clamp arm 130 beinglocated proximate to the outer wall 154. The engaged position may bedefined as the clamp arm 130 being located distal from the outer wall154 and/or over the opening 156. Clockwise rotation of the screw 140 maypivot the clamp arm 130 from the disengaged position to the engagedposition. Counter-clockwise rotation of the screw 140 may pivot theclamp arm 130 from the engaged position to the disengaged position. Thepivot joint 136 may be a revolute joint (e.g., such as a pin joint or ahinge joint) having a pin that extends through the tab 159 and the clamparm 130. The pivot joint 136 may be configured to enable the clamp arm130 to rotate about the pin (e.g., an axis defined by the pin).Alternatively, the pivot joint 136 may be a cylindrical joint, aspherical joint, a saddle joint, or another similar joint.

In accordance with the illustrated configuration of the base 120, thebase 120 may be configured such that the rear surface 128 of the base120 abuts the bezel 194 and may not contact the outer surface 199 of thefaceplate 196. It should be appreciated that the outer wall 154 of thebase 120 is not limited to the illustrated geometry. For example, thebase 120 may be alternatively configured such that the outer wall 154surrounds the bezel 194 and at least a portion of the rear surface 128of the base 120 abuts the outer surface 199 of the faceplate 196when thebase 120 is attached to the protruding portion of the paddle actuator192. In another example, the base 120 may be alternatively configuredsuch that the outer wall 154 encloses the faceplate 196 of themechanical switch 190, for instance such that the rear surface 128 ofthe base 120 abuts a surface of a structure in which the mechanicalswitch 190 is installed, such as a surface of a wall.

The base 120 and the control unit 110 may be configured to enablereleasable attachment of the control unit 110 to the base 120. Forexample, one or more components of the base 120 may include engagementfeatures that may be configured to engage with complementary engagementfeatures of the housing 114 of the control unit 110. As shown, theattachment members 157 may define resilient snap-fit connectors that maybe configured to engage with complementary engagement features (notshown) defined on corresponding inner surfaces of the control unit 110.In this regard, the frame 150 may be configured for releasableattachment of the control unit 110 to the frame 150, via the attachmentmembers 157.

The user interface of the control unit 110 (e.g., the actuation portion112) may be configured to receive inputs, such as finger presses and/orgestures, from a user of the remote control device 100. For example, inaccordance with the illustrated configuration, the actuation portion 112of the control unit 110 may be configured to pivot about a central axis,when the housing 114 is attached to the base 120, in response toactuations of respective upper and lower portions 116, 118 of theactuation portion 112. The front surface 115 of the actuation portion112 may define a capacitive touch surface along the upper and lowerportions 116, 118, that may be configured to detect touches along anx-axis, a y-axis, or both an x-axis and a y-axis.

The control unit 110 may include a control circuit (e.g., a processor,not shown) and a wireless communication circuit (e.g., an RFtransceiver, not shown). The control unit 110 may be configured totranslate one or more inputs (e.g., user inputs) from the user interfaceinto respective control signals that may be used to control a loadcontrol device of a load control system. The one or more inputs may beapplied via touches or presses of the upper portion 116 and/or lowerportion 118 of the actuation portion 112. For example, the controlcircuit may be configured to receive input signals (e.g., thatcorrespond to the user inputs) in response to actuations of the upperportion 116 and/or lower portion 118 by a user of the remote controldevice 100. For example, the input signals received by the controlcircuit may be the respective control signals translated from the userinterface inputs. The control circuit may be configured to generatecommands that the user desires the control unit 110 to execute inresponse to the input signals produced in response to actuations of theupper portion 116 and/or lower portion 118. The control unit 110 may beconfigured to cause the wireless communication circuit to transmit oneor more control signals including the commands generated by the controlcircuit.

The light bar 119 of the control unit 110 may be configured to provide avisual indication of a command issued by the remote control device 100.For example, the control circuit may be configured to, upon receiving agesture indicative of a command to change an amount of power deliveredto an electrical load, such as a command to dim a lighting load,indicate the amount of power delivered to the electrical load bytemporarily illuminating a number of the LEDs that corresponds with thedesired amount of power (e.g., the desired dimming level of the lightingload). In such an example, the control circuit may be configured tocause the LEDs to be illuminated simultaneously, to illuminatesequentially with some or little overlap before fading, or to otherwiseilluminate as desired. The control unit 110 may be configured to beattached to the base 120 with the light bar 119 located on apredetermined side of the control unit (e.g., the right side of thecontrol unit as shown in FIG. 1), for example, such that the light bar119 may be illuminated to indicate the amount of power presently beingdelivered to the electrical load.

The control circuit may be configured to cause the wirelesscommunication circuit to transmit respective commands that correspond toinputs and/or gestures received by the upper portion 116 and/or lowerportion 118. For example, the remote control device 100 may be operableto transmit wireless signals, for example radio frequency (RF) signals,to a load control device, one or more electrical loads, and/or a centralprocessor of a load control system. The remote control device 100 may beassociated with the load control device and the one or more electricalloads during a configuration procedure of the load control system.

The control unit 110 may be battery-powered. The housing 114 of thecontrol circuit 110 may be configured to receive a battery (not shown)for powering the control unit 110 (e.g., as will be described in greaterdetail below with reference to FIGS. 16-24). The remote control device100 may optionally include the battery. For example, the control unit110 may be configured to derive power from an external power source, forexample, a power source connected to the mechanical switch 170, such assource of AC power, or an external DC power source. The base 120 mayinclude the power source, such as a battery that is external to thecontrol unit 110. The base 120 may be configured to provide power fromthe battery to the control unit 110 when the control unit 110 isattached to the base 120. For example, the base 120 may include abattery printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown) that may be mounted tothe plate 152.

In an example process of attaching the base 120 to the paddle actuator192 of the mechanical switch 190, the base 120 may be placed over thepaddle actuator 192 such that the protruding portion of the paddleactuator extends through the opening 156. The clamp arm 130 may be inthe disengaged position when the base 120 is placed over the paddleactuator 192. The rear surface 128 of the base 120 may abut the outersurface 199 of the faceplate 196 and/or the bezel 194 of the mechanicalswitch 190 when the base 120 is placed over the paddle actuator 192. Thescrew 140 may be operated such that the threads of the screw 140 engagethe internal threads of the sleeve 142. When the screw 140 is operated(e.g., clockwise), the clamp arm 130 may pivot about the pivot joint 136such that the clamp arm 130 moves toward the protruding portion of thepaddle actuator 192. As the screw 140 is further operated (e.g.,clockwise), the clamp arm 130 may abut the protruding portion of thepaddle actuator 192. The clamp arm 130 and/or the teeth 132, 144 mayapply a force upon the protruding portion of the paddle actuator 192.For example, the tooth 132 and the teeth 144 may captively engage (e.g.,bite into) the protruding portion of the paddle actuator 192 as thescrew 140 is further operated. The base 120 may be secured to theprotruding portion of the paddle actuator 192 when the tooth 132 and theteeth 144 captively engage (e.g., bite into) the protruding portion ofthe paddle actuator 192.

With the base 120 attached to the paddle actuator 192 (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3), the control unit 110 may be attached to the base 120.For example, the housing 114 of the control unit 110 may be aligned withthe base 120 and pressed over the base 120. The housing 114 of thecontrol unit 110 may engage the attachment members 157 defined on theouter wall 154 of the base 120 such that the control unit 110 isremovably attached to the base 120.

FIGS. 9-13 depict another example base 220 for a remote control device(e.g., such as the example remote control device 100) that may beinstalled in a load control system, such as a lighting control system.The load control system may include a mechanical switch, such as themechanical switch 190, that may be in place prior to installation of theremote control device, for example pre-existing in the load controlsystem. The load control system may further include one or moreelectrical loads, such as lighting loads. The mechanical switch 190 maybe coupled in series electrical connection between an alternatingcurrent (AC) power source and the one or more electrical loads (notshown). The load control system may further include a load controldevice (not shown) that is electrically connected to the one or moreelectrical loads, as described herein.

As shown, the base 220 may include a clamp arm 230 (e.g., a bar), ascrew 240, and a frame 250. The frame 250 may include a plate 252 and anouter wall 254 that extends from the plate 252. The outer wall 254 mayextend from a perimeter of the plate 252. The outer wall 254 may bediscontinuous along the perimeter of the plate 252. For example, theouter wall 254 may include an end wall 222 and opposed side walls 226.The end wall 222 may not connect to the opposed side walls 226. The base220 (e.g., the plate 252) may define an edge 224 that is distal from theend wall 222. For example, the base 220 may define terminal edges (e.g.,such as the edge 224) that extend between the ends of the opposed sidewalls 226. The terminal edges of the base 220 may be distal from amidpoint of the mechanical switch 190. The plate 252 may define a rearsurface 228 of the base 220.

The frame 250 may define an opening 256. The opening 256 may beconfigured to receive the protruding portion of the paddle actuator 192,for example, when the base 220 is installed over the mechanical switch190. The opening 256 may extend through approximately a lower half ofthe plate 252. The base 220 may define one or more teeth 244. The teeth244 may extend into the opening 256. For example, the teeth 244 mayextend into the opening 256 proximate to the rear surface 228 of thebase 220. The teeth 244 may be configured to engage a side of theprotruding portion of the paddle actuator 192. The base 220 may define asleeve 242 that is configured to receive the screw 240. The sleeve 242may include internal threads that cooperate with the threads of thescrew 240. The sleeve 242 may be located proximate to the edge 224.Although the sleeve 242 is located near a midpoint of the edge 224 ofthe base 220 in FIGS. 9-13, it should be appreciated that the sleeve 242may be biased towards a side wall of the base (e.g., one of the opposedside walls 226 of the frame 250) that is distal from or proximate to theclamp arm 230 or located at another location along the edge 224 of thebase 220. A length of the screw 240 may be configured based on thelocation of the sleeve 242 along the edge 224 of the base 220. Althoughthe sleeve 242 is located along the edge 224 of the base 220, it shouldbe appreciated that the sleeve 242 is not limited to being located atthe edge 224 of the base 220 and may be located at other locations ofthe base 220.

The outer wall 254 may define a plurality of attachment members (notshown). For example, each of the opposed side walls may include on ormore attachment members. The attachment members may be configured toengage corresponding features of a control unit (e.g., such as thecontrol unit 110) such that the control unit can be releasably attachedto the base 220. The attachment members may be resilient snap-fitconnectors (e.g., snaps, such as the attachment members 157 configuredto engage the corresponding features of the housing 114 of the controlunit 110). The outer wall 254 of the base 220 may be configured toprovide a friction fit with the control unit. For example, the outerwall 254 may be sized and/or may include one or more features such thatcorresponding walls of the housing 114 of the control unit and/orcorresponding features are secured to the base 220 using friction.

The clamp arm 230 may be configured to secure (e.g., attach) the base220 to the protruding portion of the paddle actuator 192 of themechanical switch 190. For example, as shown the clamp arm 230 may beconfigured to apply a force on the protruding portion of the paddleactuator 192 as the screw 240 is driven into the sleeve 242. The clamparm 230 may define a hole 234 that is configured to receive the screw240. The clamp arm 230 may define a plate 231. A distal end 241 of thescrew 240 may be configured to abut the plate 231 of the clamp arm 230as the screw 240 is driven into the sleeve 242. For example, the distalend 241 of the screw 240 may apply a force upon the plate 231 as thescrew 240 is driven into the sleeve 242. The clamp arm 230 may includeone or more teeth, for example, such as the tooth 232 shown in FIG. 13.The tooth 232 may extend from the clamp arm 230 and into the opening256. The tooth 232 may be configured to engage (e.g., bite into) theprotruding portion of the paddle actuator 192. Although shown as havinga triangular prism-like shape, it should be appreciated that the tooth232 may define various shapes, for example, such as a cylinder-likeshape, a cone-like shape, a pyramid-like shape, and/or another similarshape.

The clamp arm 230 may be pivotally attached to the base 220. Forexample, the base 220 may define a pivot joint 236 therethrough. Thepivot joint 236 may be located proximate to the edge 224 of the frame250. The clamp arm 230 may be connected to the frame 250 (e.g., theplate 252) at the pivot joint 236. The pivot joint 236 may be configuredto enable operation of the clamp arm 230 between a disengaged positionand an engaged position with the protruding portion of the paddleactuator 192. For example, the clamp arm 230 may pivot about the pivotjoint 236 as the screw 240 is rotated within the sleeve 242. Thedisengaged position may be defined as the clamp arm 230 being locatedproximate to the outer wall 254. The engaged position may be defined asthe clamp arm 230 being located distal from the outer wall 254 and/orover the opening 256. Clockwise rotation of the screw 240 may pivot theclamp arm 230 from the disengaged position to the engaged position.Counter-clockwise rotation of the screw 240 may pivot the clamp arm 230from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The pivot joint236 may be a revolute joint (e.g., such as a pin joint or a hinge joint)having a pin that extends through the clamp arm 230 and the base 220.The pivot joint 236 may be configured to enable the clamp arm 230 torotate about the pin (e.g., an axis defined by the pin). Alternatively,the pivot joint 236 may be a cylindrical joint, a spherical joint, asaddle joint, or another similar joint.

In accordance with the illustrated configuration of the base 220, theframe 250 may be configured such that the rear surface 228 of the base220 abuts the bezel 194 and may not contact the outer surface 199 of thefaceplate 196. It should be appreciated that the outer wall 254 of theframe 250 is not limited to the illustrated geometry. For example, theframe 250 may be alternatively configured such that the outer wall 254surrounds the bezel 194 and at least a portion of the rear surface 228of the base 220) abuts the outer surface 199 of the faceplate 196 whenthe base 220 is attached to the protruding portion of the paddleactuator 192. In another example, the frame 250 may be alternativelyconfigured such that the outer wall 254 encloses the faceplate 196 ofthe mechanical switch 190, for instance such that the rear surface 228of the base 220 abuts a surface of a structure in which the mechanicalswitch 190 is installed, such as a surface of a wall.

The base 220 and the control unit may be configured to enable releasableattachment of the control unit to the base 220. For example, one or morecomponents of the base 220 may include engagement features that may beconfigured to engage with complementary engagement features of thecontrol unit.

In an example process of attaching the base 220 to the paddle actuator192 of the mechanical switch 190, the base 220 may be placed over thepaddle actuator 192 such that the protruding portion of the paddleactuator extends through the opening 256. The clamp arm 230 may be inthe disengaged position when the base 220 is placed over the paddleactuator 192. The rear surface 228 of the base 120 may abut the outersurface 199 of the faceplate 196 and/or the bezel 194 of the mechanicalswitch 190 when the base 220 is placed over the paddle actuator 192. Thescrew 240 may be operated such that the threads of the screw 240 engagethe internal threads of the sleeve 242. When the screw 240 is operated(e.g., clockwise), the distal end 241 of the screw 240 may abut theplate 231 of the clamp arm 230 and the clamp arm 230 may pivot about thepivot joint 236 such that the clamp arm 230 moves toward the protrudingportion of the paddle actuator 192. As the screw 240 is further operated(e.g., clockwise), the clamp arm 230 may abut the protruding portion ofthe paddle actuator 192. The clamp arm 230 and/or the teeth 232, 244 mayapply a force upon the protruding portion of the paddle actuator 192.For example, the tooth 232 and the teeth 244 may captively engage (e.g.,bite into) the protruding portion of the paddle actuator 192 as thescrew 240 is further operated. The base 220 may be secured to theprotruding portion of the paddle actuator 192 when the tooth 232 and theteeth 244 captively engage (e.g., bite into) the protruding portion ofthe paddle actuator 192.

With the base 220 attached to the paddle actuator 192 (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10), the control unit may be attached to the base 220. Forexample, the control unit 110 may be aligned with the base 220 andpressed over the base 220. The housing 114 of the control unit 110 mayengage the attachment members defined on the outer wall 254 of the base220 such that the control unit 110 is removably attached to the base220. Alternatively, the walls of the housing 114 of the control unit 110may engage the outer wall 254 of the base 220 such that friction securesthe control unit 110 to the base 220.

FIGS. 14-18 depict another example remote control device 300 that may beinstalled in a load control system, such as a lighting control system.The load control system may include a mechanical switch, such as themechanical switch 190, that may be in place prior to installation of theremote control device 300, for example pre-existing in the load controlsystem. The load control system may further include one or moreelectrical loads, such as lighting loads. The mechanical switch 190 maybe coupled in series electrical connection between an alternatingcurrent (AC) power source and the one or more electrical loads (notshown), such as a controllable light source. The load control system mayfurther include one or more load control devices (not shown) that areelectrically connected to the one or more electrical loads and/orintegral to the one or more electrical loads, as described herein.

As shown, the example remote control device 300 may include a controlunit 310 and a base 320 (e.g., such as the base 120 depicted in FIGS.2-8 or the base 220 depicted in FIGS. 9-13) that may operate as a mountfor the control unit 310. The base 320 may alternatively be referred toas a base portion or a mounting assembly. The control unit 310 and thebase 320 may be configured such that the control unit 310 may beremovably attached to the base 320. The base 320 may be attached to thepaddle actuator 192 of the mechanical switch 190 without removing thefaceplate 196. In this regard, the remote control device 300 may bemounted over an installed mechanical switch, such as the mechanicalswitch 190, without the need to remove the faceplate 196 and/or performany electrical re-wiring of the mechanical switch 190.

The control unit 310 may be configured to function similarly to thecontrol unit 110. For example, the control unit 310 may include a userinterface comprising an actuation portion 312 that may be attached(e.g., fixedly attached) to a housing 314. The actuation portion 312 mayinclude a front surface 315 having an upper portion 316 and a lowerportion 318. The front surface 315 of the actuation portion 312 may beconfigured as a touch sensitive surface (e.g., a capacitive touchsurface) that is configured to receive (e.g., detect) inputs, such astouches or gestures, from a user of the control unit 310. The controlunit 310 may be configured to control an electrical load to turn theelectrical load on in response to an actuation (e.g., a touch) of theupper portion 316 and to turn the electrical load off in response to anactuation (e.g., a touch) of the lower portion 318. The control unit 310may also include a light bar 319 configured to be illuminated by one ormore light sources (e.g., one or more LEDs) to visibly displayinformation. The light bar 319 may be biased toward one side of thecontrol unit 310. The control unit 310 may be configured to adjust theamount of power delivered to the electrical load in response to anactuation (e.g., a touch) along the light bar 319 (e.g., according tothe position of the actuation along the light bar).

The control unit 310 may be battery-powered. The control unit 310 may beconfigured to receive a battery 360 for powering electrical circuitry ofthe control unit 310. For example, the control unit 310 may define avoid 330. For example, a rear surface 332 of the control unit 310 maydefine the void 330. The void 330 may be configured to receive a PCB 340of the remote control device 300. The control unit 310 may comprise abattery holder 362 (e.g., a battery clamp). The battery holder 362 maybe electrically conductive and may be mounted to the PCB 340. The PCB340 may include one or more electrical contacts (e.g., such aselectrical contact pads 374, 376). The battery holder 362 may define afirst arm 364, a second arm 366, and mounting flanges 368. The first arm364 may extend from the mounting flanges 368 in a first direction. Thesecond arm 366 may extend from the mounting flanges 368 in a seconddirection. The second direction may be opposed to the first direction.The first arm 364 and the second arm 366 may be compliant members. Forexample, the first arm 364 and the second arm 366 may be biased towardthe PCB 340 such that they are configured to apply a force upon thebattery 360 to secure the battery 360 within the battery holder 360.

The battery holder 362 may be configured to receive a single battery(e.g., battery 360) in one of two positions for powering the electricalcircuitry of the control unit 310. The first arm 364 may be configuredto secure the battery 360 in a first position within the battery holder362. The second arm 366 may be configured to secure the battery 360 in asecond position within the battery holder 362. For example, the firstposition may be defined as the first arm 364 securing the battery 360against the electrical contact pad 374, for example, as shown in FIG.16. The second position may be defined as the second arm 366 securingthe battery 360 against the electrical contact pad 376. The first arm364 may operate as an electrical contact when the battery 360 is securedagainst the electrical contact pad 374, and the second arm 366 mayoperate as an electrical contact when the battery 360 is secured againstthe electrical contact pad 376. The mounting flanges 368 may beconfigured to attach (e.g., mechanically and electrically couple) thebattery holder 362 to the PCB 340. Each of the mounting flanges 368 maybe fastened to the PCB 340, for example, using fasteners, solder,adhesive, and/or the like. For example, the battery 360 may be coupledto the electrical circuitry of the control unit 310 through the PCB 340(e.g., via the battery holder 362 and/or the electrical contact pads374, 376).

The control unit 310 may be configured to be attached to the base 320with the light bar 319 located on a predetermined side of the controlunit (e.g., the right side of the control unit as shown in FIG. 14),such that the light bar 319 may be illuminated to indicate, for example,the amount of power presently being delivered to the electrical load.The control unit 310 may be configured to be attached to the base 320with the light bar 319 located on a predetermined side of the controlunit independent of a position of the paddle actuator 192 of themechanical switch 190 (e.g., whether the upper portion or the lowerportion of the paddle actuator 192 is protruding from the bezel 194).

The battery 360 may be configured to be installed in the control unit310 based on the position of the paddle actuator 192 when power is beingdelivered to the electrical load(s) associated with the mechanicalswitch 190. The battery 360 may be installed within the battery holder362 in an orientation that corresponds to the position of the mechanicalswitch 190. For example, the battery 360 may be installed using thefirst arm 364 in a first position (e.g., secured against the electricalcontact pad 374). The first position may correspond to the upper portionof the paddle actuator 192 protruding into the void 330 (e.g., as shownin FIG. 18). The battery 360 may be installed using the second arm 366in a second position (e.g., secured against the electrical contact pad376). The second position may correspond to a lower portion of thepaddle actuator 192 protruding into the void 330.

The base 320 may be configured to be secured to the protruding portionof the paddle actuator 192 (e.g., such as the base 120 and/or the base220). As the base 320 is secured to the protruding portion of the paddleactuator 192, a rear surface of the base 320 may be biased against thebezel 194 of the mechanical switch 190. With the base 320 attached tothe paddle actuator 192 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15), the control unit310 may be attached to the base 320.

The base 320 may be configured to enable releasable attachment of thecontrol unit 310 to the base 320. For example, one or more components ofthe base 320 may include engagement features (e.g., such as theattachment members 157 of the control unit 110) that may be configuredto engage with complementary engagement features of the control unit310. For example, the control unit 310 may define snaps 325 (e.g.,resilient snap-fit connectors). The snaps 325 may extend into the void330. The snaps 325 may be configured to secure the control unit 310 tothe base 320.

FIGS. 19-24 depict another remote control device 400 having a controlunit 410 with an alternate battery holder 462. The control unit 410 mayhave a user interface the same as or similar to the user interface ofthe control unit 310 shown in FIG. 14. The control unit 410 may bemounted to a base 420 (e.g., such as the base 120 depicted in FIGS. 2-8or the base 220 depicted in FIGS. 9-13). The base 420 may alternativelybe referred to as a base portion or a mounting assembly. The controlunit 410 and the base 420 may be configured such that the control unit410 may be removably attached to the base 420. The base 420 may beattached to the paddle actuator 192 of the mechanical switch 190 withoutremoving the faceplate 196. In this regard, the remote control device400 may be mounted over an installed mechanical switch, such as themechanical switch 190, without the need to remove the faceplate 196and/or perform any electrical re-wiring of the mechanical switch.

The base 420 may be configured to enable releasable attachment of thecontrol unit 410 to the base 420. For example, one or more components ofthe base 420 may include engagement features (e.g., such as theattachment members 157 of the control module 110) that may be configuredto engage with complementary engagement features of the control unit410. For example, the control unit 410 may define snaps (e.g., resilientsnap-fit connectors). The snaps may be configured to secure the controlunit 410 to the base 420.

The control unit 410 may be battery-powered. The control unit 410 may beconfigured to receive a battery 460 for powering electrical circuitry ofthe control unit 410. For example, the control unit 410 may define avoid 430. For example, a rear surface 416 of the control unit 410 maydefine the void 430. The void 430 may be configured to receive a PCB 440of the remote control device 400. The PCB 440 may include one or moreelectrical contact pads (e.g., such as electrical contact pad 474). Thebattery holder 462 of the control unit 410 may be electricallyconductive and may be mounted to the PCB 440. The battery holder 462 maydefine mounting flanges 468 and an electrical contact member 466. Theelectrical contact member 466 may extend between the mounting flanges468 to define a slot 469. The slot 469 may be defined by the electricalcontact member 466, the mounting flanges 468, and the PCB 440. The slot469 may be configured to receive the battery 460 therein.

The battery holder 462 (e.g., the electrical contact member 466) mayfurther define one or more apertures 465 and one or more tabs 464. Thetabs 464 may be located at the apertures 465, respectively. The tabs 464may extend into the slot 469. The tabs 464 may be located approximatelyat a midpoint of the PCB 440, for example, such that the tabs 464 areconfigured to engage the battery 460 when the battery 460 is installedwithin the battery holder 462. The battery holder 462 may be configuredto secure the battery 460 against the electrical contact pad 474. Thetabs 464 may be configured to prevent the battery 460 from beinginstalled in the battery holder 462 beyond a predefined location. Forexample, the tabs 464 may be configured such that the battery 460, wheninstalled, does not interfere with the paddle actuator 192 of themechanical switch 190.

The mounting flanges 468 may be configured to attach (e.g., mechanicallyand electrically couple) the battery holder 462 to the PCB 440. Each ofthe mounting flanges 468 may be fastened to the PCB 440, for example,using fasteners, solder, adhesive, and/or the like. For example, thebattery 460 may be coupled to the electrical circuitry of the controlunit 410 through the PCB 440 (e.g., via the battery holder 462 and/orthe electrical contact pad 474).

The control unit 410 may include a light bar (e.g., the light bar 319 ofthe control unit 310 shown in FIG. 14). The light bar may be biased toone side of the control unit 410. The control unit 410 may be configuredto be attached to the base 420 with the light bar located on apredetermined side of the control unit (e.g., the right side), such thatthe light bar may be illuminated to indicate, for example, the amount ofpower presently being delivered to the electrical load. The control unit410 may be configured to be attached to the base 420 with the light barlocated on a predetermined side of the control unit independent of aposition of the paddle actuator 192 of the mechanical switch 190 (e.g.,whether the upper portion or the lower portion of the paddle actuator192 is protruding from the bezel 194).

The battery holder 462 may be configured to receive a single battery(e.g., battery 460) in one of two positions for powering the electricalcircuitry of the control unit 410. The battery 460 may be configured tobe installed in the control unit 410 based on the position of the paddleactuator 192 when power is being delivered to the electrical load(s)associated with the mechanical switch 190. The battery 460 may beinstalled within the battery holder 462 in an orientation thatcorresponds to the position of the mechanical switch 190. For example,the electrical contact member 466 may define a first edge 461 and asecond edge 463. The second edge 463 may be opposed to the first edge461, for example, on an opposed side of the electrical contact member466. The battery 460 may be installed from the first edge 461 of theelectrical contact member 466 into a first position. For example, thebattery holder 462 may receive the battery into the slot 469 from thefirst edge 461. The first position may correspond to an upper portion ofthe paddle actuator 192 protruding into the void 430 (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 21 and 23) when power is delivered to the electrical load(s)associated with the mechanical switch 190. When installed in the firstposition, the battery 460 may extend further beyond the first edge 461of the electrical contact member 466 than beyond the second edge 463 ofthe electrical contact member 466. The battery 460 may be installed fromthe second edge 463 of the electrical contact member 466 into a secondposition. For example, the battery holder 462 may receive the batteryinto the slot 469 from the second edge 463. The second position maycorrespond to a lower portion of the paddle actuator 192 protruding intothe void 430 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 22 and 24) when power is deliveredto the electrical load(s) associated with the mechanical switch 190.When installed in the second position, the battery 460 may extendfurther beyond the second edge 463 of the electrical contact member 466than beyond the first edge 461 of the electrical contact member 466.

The electrical contact member 466 may be configured to provide anelectrical contact for the battery 460 when installed in the firstposition or the second position. For example, the electrical contactmember 466 may be biased toward the PCB 440 such that the electricalcontact member 466 applies a force on the battery 460. The electricalcontact member 466 may define a protrusion 467 that is configured toextend into the slot 469 toward the PCB 440. The protrusion 467 may beconfigured to abut the battery 460. The protrusion 467 may be configuredto secure the battery 460 within the battery holder 462 (e.g., the slot469). The protrusion 467 may be configured to provide the electricalcontact for the battery 460.

The base 420 may be configured to be secured to the protruding portionof the paddle actuator 192 (e.g., such as the base 120 and/or the base220). As the base 420 is secured to the protruding portion of the paddleactuator 192, a rear surface of the base 420 may be biased against thebezel 194 of the mechanical switch 190. With the base 420 attached tothe paddle actuator 192 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24), the controlunit 410 may be attached to the base 420.

FIGS. 25-32 depict another example remote control device 500 that may beinstalled in a load control system, such as a lighting control system.The load control system may include a mechanical switch, such as themechanical switch 190, that may be in place prior to installation of theremote control device 500, for example pre-existing in the load controlsystem. The load control system may further include one or moreelectrical loads, such as lighting loads. The mechanical switch 190 maybe coupled in series electrical connection between an alternatingcurrent (AC) power source and the one or more electrical loads (notshown), such as a controllable light source. The load control system mayfurther include one or more load control devices (not shown) that areelectrically connected to the one or more electrical loads and/orintegral to the one or more electrical loads, as described herein.

As shown, the example remote control device 500 may include a controlunit 510, a cover portion 530 (e.g., a mounting adapter), and a coverbase 520 (e.g., a first base). In addition, the remote control device500 may include a control base 515 (e.g., a second base) that mayoperate as a mount for the control unit 510. The control base 515 mayalternatively be referred to as a first base, a second base, a controlbase portion, and/or a control mounting assembly. The control unit 510and the control base 515 may be configured such that the control unit510 may be removably attached to the control base 515. The control unit510 may alternatively be referred to as a control module. It should beappreciated that other control units described herein may similarly bealternatively referred to as control modules.

The control unit 510 may comprise a user interface including a rotatingportion 512 and an actuation portion 514. The rotating portion 512 maybe rotatable with respect to the control base 515. For example, asshown, the control unit 510 includes an annular rotating portion 512that is configured to rotate about the control base 515. The remotecontrol device 500 may be configured such that the control unit 510 andthe control base 515 are removably attachable to one another. FIG. 30depicts the remote control device 500 with the control unit 510 detachedfrom the control base 515. When the control unit 510 is attached to thecontrol base 515 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 25), the rotating portion 512may be rotatable in opposed directions about the control base 515, forexample in the clockwise or counter-clockwise directions. The controlbase 515 may be configured to be mounted over a light switch such thatthe application of rotational movement to the rotating portion 512 doesnot actuate the light switch.

The actuation portion 514 may be operated separately from or in concertwith the rotating portion 512. As shown, the actuation portion 514 mayinclude a circular surface within an opening defined by the rotatingportion 512. In an example implementation, the actuation portion 514 maybe configured to move inward toward the light switch to actuate amechanical switch (not shown) inside the control unit 510, for instanceas described herein. The actuation portion 514 may be configured toreturn to an idle or rest position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 25) afterbeing actuated. In this regard, the actuation portion 514 may beconfigured to operate as a toggle control of the control unit 510.

The remote control device 500 may be configured to transmit one or morewireless communication signals (e.g., RF signals) to one or more controldevices. The remote control device 500 may include a wirelesscommunication circuit, e.g., an RF transceiver or transmitter (notshown), via which one or more wireless communication signals may be sentand/or received. The control unit 510 may be configured to transmitdigital messages (e.g., including commands) in response to one or moreactuations applied to the control unit 510, such as operation of therotating portion 512 and/or the actuation portion 514. The digitalmessages may be transmitted to one or more devices associated with theremote control device 500, such as the controllable light source. Forexample, the control unit 510 may be configured to transmit a commandvia one or more RF signals to raise the intensity of the controllablelight source in response to a clockwise rotation of the rotating portion512 and a command to lower the intensity of the controllable lightsource in response to a counterclockwise rotation of the rotatingportion 512. The control unit 510 may be configured to transmit acommand to toggle the controllable light source (e.g., from off to on orvice versa) in response to an actuation of the actuation portion 514. Inaddition, the control unit 510 may be configured to transmit a commandto turn the controllable light source on in response to an actuation ofthe actuation portion 514 (e.g., if the control unit 510 knows that thecontrollable light source is presently off). The control unit 510 may beconfigured to transmit a command to turn the controllable light sourceoff in response to an actuation of the actuation portion 514 (e.g., ifthe control unit 510 knows that the controllable light source ispresently on).

As described herein, the remote control device 500 may comprise abattery (not shown) for powering at least the remote control device 500.The remote control device 500 may be configured to enable releasableattachment of the control unit 510 to the control base 515. For example,the control base 515 may include a release mechanism that may beactuated to release the control unit 510 from the control base 515. Forexample, the control unit 510 may comprise two tabs (not shown)configured to snap onto respective attachment clips 513 on the controlbase 515. The control unit 510 may be installed on the control base 515by pushing the control unit towards the control base 515 until the tabsof the control unit 510 engage the attachment clips 513. The controlunit 510 may be released from the control base 515 by pulling thecontrol unit 510 away from the control base 515. In addition, thecontrol base 515 may include a sliding release tab that may be actuatedto release the control unit 510 from the control base 515.

The remote control device 500 may be configured to be installed over apaddle actuator 192 (e.g., instead of a toggle actuator). The coverportion 530 may be configured to cover the actuator of the mechanicalswitch and receive the control base 515. For example, the control base515 may be attached (e.g., releasably attached) to the cover portion530. The cover base 530 may define an opening 517 for allowing forattachment of the cover base 530 to the cover portion 530 (e.g., as willbe described in greater detail below). The cover portion 530 may beconfigured to releasably retain the control base 515. The cover portion530 may define a front surface 532 and a rear surface 534. The coverportion 530 may include a mounting tab 535 that extends from the frontsurface 532. The mounting tab 535 may be configured to be received inthe opening 517 of the control base 515. The mounting tab 535 may beconfigured to prevent rotation of the control base 515 when the controlbase 515 is attached to the cover portion 530 and the rotating portion512 is rotated. The cover portion 530 may include one or more tabs 536that extend from the rear surface 534. The one or more tabs 536 may beconfigured to secure the cover portion 530 to the cover base 520.Although the control base 515 is shown in the Figures as being separatefrom the cover portion 530, it should be appreciated that the controlbase 515 may be configured as an integral part of the cover portion 530.For example, the cover portion 530 may include the control base 515.Stated differently, the control base 515 may be part of the coverportion 530.

The cover base 520 may be configured to releasably retain the coverportion 530 when the control base 515 is attached to the cover portion530. The cover base 520 may include a frame 522 and an engagementmechanism 524. The frame 522 may be configured to be mounted over theactuator 192 of the mechanical switch 190. The frame 522 may include aframe opening 523 that extends therethrough. The frame opening 523 maybe configured to receive a portion of the actuator 192.

The engagement mechanism 524 may be configured to secure the cover base520 to the actuator 192. For example, the engagement mechanism 524 maysecure the cover base 520 in a mounted position relative to the actuator192. The engagement mechanism 524 may cause a rear surface 531 to bebiased against an outer surface 199 of the faceplate 196 such that theactuator 192 is maintained in a first position in which power isdelivered to the electrical load. The engagement mechanism 524 may beoperable to contact a first side 185 of the actuator 192 such that anopposed second side 195 of the actuator 192 is biased against acorresponding inner wall 526 of the frame 522. The inner wall 526 maydefine (e.g., partially define) the frame opening 523. The inner wall526 may include one or more teeth (e.g., such as teeth 527). The teeth527 may be configured to abut the opposed second side 195 of theactuator 192.

The engagement mechanism 524 may include a clamp arm 550 (e.g., a bar),for example, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 28-30. The clamp arm 550 mayextend into the frame opening 523. A first end 551 of the clamp arm 550may be supported by the frame 522. A second end 552 of the clamp arm 550may be translatable toward a center of the frame opening 523 (e.g.,toward the inner wall 526). For example, the first end 551 may bepivotally supported by the frame 522 such that the second end 552 isconfigured to move toward (e.g., and away from) the inner wall 526. Forexample, the cover base 520 may define a pivot joint 554. The pivotjoint 554 may be located proximate to the frame opening 523. The clamparm 550 may be connected to the frame 522 at the pivot joint 554.

The engagement mechanism 524 may include a screw 560. The screw 560 mayoperably connect the second end 552 of the clamp arm 550 to the frame522, for example, via a sleeve 562. The sleeve 562 may be attached tothe cover base 520 (e.g., the frame 522) The screw560 may be configuredto translate the clamp arm 550 toward (e.g., and away from) the innerwall 526. For example, driving the screw 560 (e.g., clockwise) may causethe second end 552 of the clamp arm 550 to travel toward the inner wall526. Driving the screw 560 in the opposite direction (e.g.,counter-clockwise) may cause the second end 552 of the clamp arm 550 totravel away from the inner wall 526.

The pivot joint 554 may be configured to enable operation of the clamparm 550 between a disengaged position and an engaged position with theprotruding portion of the paddle actuator 192. For example, the clamparm 550 may pivot about the pivot joint 554 as the screw 560 is rotated.The disengaged position may be defined as the clamp arm 550 not being incontact with the actuator 192. The engaged position may be defined asthe clamp arm 550 being in contact with the actuator 192. Clockwiserotation of the screw 560 may pivot the clamp arm 550 from thedisengaged position to the engaged position. Counter-clockwise rotationof the screw 560 may pivot the clamp arm 550 from the engaged positionto the disengaged position.

The pivot joint 554 may be a revolute joint (e.g., such as a pin jointor a hinge joint) having a pin that extends through the clamp arm 550and the frame 522. The pivot joint 554 may be configured to enable theclamp arm 550 to rotate about the pin (e.g., an axis defined by thepin). Alternatively, the pivot joint 554 may be a cylindrical joint, aspherical joint, a saddle joint, or another similar joint.

The clamp arm 550 may define an edge 553 that faces the center of theframe opening 523. The edge 553 (e.g., at least a portion of the edge553) may be configured to abut the first side 185 of the actuator 192.For example, the edge 553 may abut the first side 185 of the actuator192 as the second end 552 of the clamp arm 550 is translated toward thecenter of the frame opening 523. The edge 553 may include a tooth 556(e.g., one or more teeth). The tooth 556 may extend from the edge 553toward the center of the frame opening 523. The tooth 556 may engage thefirst side 185 of the actuator 192 (e.g., when the clamp arm 550 is inthe engaged position).

The frame 522 may define one or more slots 528. The slots 528 may beconfigured to receive corresponding tabs 536 that extends from the rearsurface 534 of the cover portion 530, for example, to secure the coverportion 530 to the cover base 520.

The cover base 520 (e.g., the frame 522) may include a plate 521 and acarrier 525. The plate 521 may be metal. The plate 521 may define theframe opening 523. The clamp arm 550 may attach to the plate 521, forexample, via the pivot joint 554. The carrier 525 may attach to theplate 521, for example, via fasteners 529. The carrier 525 may beplastic. The carrier 525 may be configured to hide (e.g., cover) atleast a portion of the plate 521 from view.

The remote control device 500 may include a fastener 580. The fastener580 may be configured to secure the remote control device 500 (e.g., thecontrol base 515) to the cover portion 530. For example, the fastener580 may be configured to secure the control base 515 to a platform 570that extends from the front surface 532 of the cover portion 530. Themounting tab 535 may extend from the platform 570. As previouslymentioned, the mounting tab 535 may be configured to be received in theopening 517 of the control base 515 to prevent rotation of the controlbase 515 when the control base 515 is attached to the cover portion 530and the rotating portion 512 is rotated. The platform 570 may define anaperture 572. The aperture 572 may receive the fastener 580, forexample, to secure the remote control device 500 (e.g., the control base515) to the cover portion 530. The aperture 572 may be threaded. Thecontrol base 515 may include a through-hole 519 that is configured toreceive the fastener 580. A rear surface of the control base 515 mayabut the front surface 532 of the cover portion 530 when the remotecontrol device 500 is secured to the cover portion 530.

It should be appreciated that the cover base 520 is not limited to therespective configurations illustrated and described herein. For example,the cover base 520 may be configured to allow releasable attachment of acontrol unit (e.g., such as control units 110, 210, 310, and 410).

It should be appreciated that the bases 120, 220, 320, 420, and 520 arenot limited to the respective configurations illustrated and describedherein, and that respective components of the bases may alternatively beconfigured with other suitable geometries. For example, the respectivebases 120, 220, 320, 420, and 520 may be alternatively configured suchthat their outer walls bound greater or lesser areas. To illustrate, theouter walls of one or more of the bases 120, 220, 320, 420, and 520 maybe configured to bound an area that is smaller than the footprint of thepaddle actuator 192 of the mechanical switch 190, which may allow thefaceplate 196 to be removed without disturbing the frame ornecessitating its detachment from the paddle actuator 192. Additionally,it should be appreciated that the respective clamp arms 130, 230, 550 ofthe bases 120, 220, 520 are not limited to the respective configurationsillustrated and described herein, and may alternatively be configuredwith other suitable geometries, for instance to define alternativeengagement surfaces.

It should further be appreciated that one or more of the bases 120, 220,320, 420, and 520 may be alternatively configured to allow releasableattachment of control units having geometries different from those ofthe illustrated control units. To illustrate, one or more of the bases120, 220, 320, 420, and 520 may be alternatively configured to allowreleasable attachment of control units having respective footprints(e.g., areas) that are larger than the corresponding footprints of thebases, for instance such that the control units enclose the framesand/or at least partially hide the frames from view. Additionally, oneor more of the bases 120, 220, 320, 420, and 520 may be alternativelyconfigured to allow releasable attachment of control units other thanthe illustrated control units 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 such ascontrol units having different geometries and/or defining other types ofuser interfaces, for example.

It should further still be appreciated that configuring the base of aremote control device such that the frame of the base biases against thebezel of a mechanical switch to which the base is mounted (e.g., inaccordance with the bases 120, 220, 320, 420, and 520 illustrated anddescribed herein) may provide one or more advantages. For example, soconfiguring the base may limit or reduce the need to account forvariables in one or more of the lateral (e.g., side-to-side),longitudinal (e.g., upward and downward), and transverse (e.g., along adirection perpendicular to the outer surface of the faceplate) that maybe exhibited by the respective dimensions or geometries (e.g., paddleheights) of different mechanical switches and/or installation conditionsof the mechanical switches. Additionally, so referencing the base to thebezel of the mechanical switch, for instance rather than to the outersurface of the faceplate, may eliminate the need to account for theframe enclosing the bezel of the mechanical switch, since bezeldimensions may vary from switch to switch.

It should further still be appreciated that any of the example remotecontrol devices 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 illustrated and describedherein may provide a simple retrofit solution for an existing switchedcontrol system and may ease the installation of a load control system orenhance an existing load control system installation. A load controlsystem that integrates one of the remote control devices 100, 200, 300,400, or 500 may provide energy savings and/or advanced control features,for example without requiring any electrical re-wiring and/or withoutrequiring the replacement of any existing mechanical switches.

It should further still be appreciated that load control systems intowhich the example remote control devices 100, 200, 300, 400, and/or 500may be integrated are not limited to the example load control devicesand/or electrical loads described above. For example, load controlsystems into which the remote control devices 100, 200, 300, 400, and/or500 may be integrated may include one or more of: a dimming ballast fordriving a gas-discharge lamp; a light-emitting diode (LED) driver fordriving an LED light source; a dimming circuit for controlling theintensity of a lighting load; a screw-in luminaire including a dimmercircuit and an incandescent or halogen lamp; a screw-in luminaireincluding a ballast and a compact fluorescent lamp; a screw-in luminaireincluding an LED driver and an LED light source; an electronic switch,controllable circuit breaker, or other switching device for turning anappliance on and off; a plug-in load control device, controllableelectrical receptacle, or controllable power strip for controlling oneor more plug-in loads; a motor control unit for controlling a motorload, such as a ceiling fan or an exhaust fan; a drive unit forcontrolling a motorized window treatment or a projection screen; one ormore motorized interior and/or exterior shutters; a thermostat for aheating and/or cooling system; a temperature control device forcontrolling a setpoint temperature of a heating, ventilation, andair-conditioning (HVAC) system; an air conditioner; a compressor; anelectric baseboard heater controller; a controllable damper; a variableair volume controller; a fresh air intake controller; a ventilationcontroller; hydraulic valves for use in one or more radiators of aradiant heating system; a humidity control unit; a humidifier; adehumidifier; a water heater; a boiler controller; a pool pump; arefrigerator; a freezer; a television and/or computer monitor; a videocamera; an audio system or amplifier; an elevator; a power supply; agenerator; an electric charger, such as an electric vehicle charger; analternative energy controller; and the like.

1. A base configured to be attached to a paddle actuator of an installedmechanical switch that controls whether power is delivered to anelectrical load, the base comprising: a frame that defines an openingthat is configured to receive a protruding portion of the paddleactuator therein, the protruding portion of the paddle actuatorprojecting outward when the mechanical switch is operated into aposition that causes power to be delivered to the electrical load, theprotruding portion of the paddle actuator comprising a front surfacethat is configured to be pressed to operate the mechanical switch, afirst side surface, and a second side surface, wherein, when theprotruding portion is received in the opening, the frame at leastpartially surrounds the paddle actuator; a clamp arm that is configuredto secure the base to the protruding portion of the paddle actuator; anda screw that is operatively engaged with the clamp arm such that, whenthe screw is rotated, the clamp arm is moved toward the protrudingportion of the paddle actuator until the clamp arm abuts the first sidesurface of the protruding portion of the paddle actuator, wherein theclamp arm is configured to apply a force on the first side surface ofthe protruding portion of the paddle actuator as the screw is furtherrotated when the clamp arm abuts the protruding portion of the paddleactuator, and wherein the force applied by the clamp arm is configuredsuch that the frame engages the second side surface of the protrudingportion of the paddle actuator to secure the base to the protrudingportion of the paddle actuator.
 2. The base of claim 1, wherein theclamp arm is attached to the frame at a pivot joint, and wherein theclamp arm is configured to pivot about the pivot joint.
 3. The base ofclaim 2, wherein the pivot joint is located proximate to a midpoint ofthe frame.
 4. The base of claim 3, wherein the clamp arm defines athreaded hole that is configured to receive the screw.
 5. The base ofclaim 4, wherein the screw is received in a sleeve defined by the frame,and wherein the screw is configured to pull the clamp arm toward theprotruding portion of the paddle actuator as the screw is rotatablyreceived by the threaded hole.
 6. The base of claim 2, wherein the framecomprises an end wall and opposed side walls, the base defining an edgethat is distal from the end wall, and wherein the pivot joint is locatedproximate to the edge defined by the base.
 7. The base of claim 6,wherein the clamp arm defines a plate that is configured to engage adistal end of the screw.
 8. The base of claim 7, wherein the screw isconfigured to push the plate while rotating such that the clamp armmoves toward the protruding portion of the paddle actuator as the screwengages the plate.
 9. The base of claim 1, wherein the frame comprisesan outer wall that extends along a perimeter of the frame.
 10. The baseof claim 9, wherein the frame comprises a tooth extending into theopening, and wherein the tooth is configured to engage the second sidesurface of the protruding portion of the paddle actuator to secure thebase to the protruding portion of the paddle actuator.
 11. The base ofclaim 10, wherein the clamp arm is configured to move into the openingfrom a location proximate to the outer wall as the screw is rotated. 12.The base of claim 11, wherein the tooth is a first tooth, and whereinthe clamp arm defines a second tooth configured to engage the first sidesurface of the protruding portion of the paddle actuator to secure thebase to the protruding portion of the paddle actuator.
 13. The base ofclaim 9, wherein the frame is configured for releasable attachment of acontrol unit to the frame, and wherein the outer wall defines one ormore snaps configured to engage corresponding features in the controlunit.
 14. The base of claim 1, wherein the first side surface and thesecond side surface are perpendicular to the front surface.
 15. A remotecontrol device for use in a load control system, the remote controldevice configured to be mounted over an installed mechanical switch thatcontrols whether power is delivered to an electrical load, the remotecontrol device comprising: a base that defines an opening that isconfigured to receive a protruding portion of a paddle actuator of themechanical switch therein, the protruding portion of the paddle actuatorprojecting outward when the mechanical switch is operated into aposition that causes power to be delivered to the electrical load, theprotruding portion of the paddle actuator comprising a front surfacethat is configured to be pressed to operate the mechanical switch, afirst side surface, and a second side surface, wherein, when theprotruding portion is received in the opening the base at leastpartially surrounds the paddle actuator; a control unit that isconfigured to be attached to the base, the control unit including a userinterface, the control unit configured to translate a user input fromthe user interface into a control signal that controls a load controldevice; a clamp arm that is configured to secure the base to theprotruding portion of the paddle actuator; and a screw that isoperatively engaged with the clamp arm such that, when the screw isrotated, the clamp arm is moved toward the protruding portion of thepaddle actuator until the clamp arm abuts the first side surface of theprotruding portion of the paddle actuator, wherein the clamp arm isconfigured to apply a force on the first side surface of the protrudingportion of the paddle actuator as the screw is further rotated when theclamp arm abuts the protruding portion of the paddle actuator, andwherein the force applied by the clamp arm is configured such that theframe engages the second side surface of the protruding portion of thepaddle actuator to secure the base to the protruding portion of thepaddle actuator.
 16. The remote control device of claim 15, wherein theclamp arm is attached to the base at a pivot joint, and wherein theclamp arm is configured to pivot about the pivot joint.
 17. The remotecontrol device of claim 16, wherein the pivot joint is located proximateto a midpoint of the base.
 18. The remote control device of claim 17,wherein the clamp arm defines a threaded hole that is configured toreceive the screw.
 19. The remote control device of claim 18, whereinthe screw is received in a sleeve defined by the base, and wherein thescrew is configured to pull the clamp arm toward the protruding portionof the paddle actuator as the screw is rotatably received by thethreaded hole.
 20. The remote control device of claim 16, wherein thebase comprises an end wall and opposed side walls, the base defining anedge that is distal from the end wall, and wherein the pivot joint islocated proximate to the edge defined by the base.
 21. The remotecontrol device of claim 20, wherein the clamp arm defines a plate thatis configured to engage a distal end of the screw.
 22. The remotecontrol device of claim 21, wherein the screw is configured to push theplate while rotating such that the clamp arm moves toward the protrudingportion of the paddle actuator as the screw engages the plate.
 23. Theremote control device of claim 15, wherein the base comprises an outerwall that extends along a perimeter of the base.
 24. The remote controldevice of claim 23, wherein the base defines a tooth extending into theopening, and wherein the tooth is configured to engage the second sidesurface of the protruding portion of the paddle actuator to secure thebase to the protruding portion of the paddle actuator.
 25. The remotecontrol device of claim 24, wherein the clamp arm is configured to moveinto the opening from a location proximate to the outer wall as thescrew is rotated.
 26. The remote control device of claim 25, wherein thetooth is a first tooth, and wherein the clamp arm defines a second toothconfigured to engage the first side surface of the protruding portion ofthe paddle actuator to secure the base to the protruding portion of thepaddle actuator.
 27. The remote control device of claim 23, wherein thebase is configured for releasable attachment of the control unit to thebase, and wherein the outer wall defines one or more snaps configured toengage corresponding features in the control unit
 28. The remote controldevice of claim 15, wherein the first side surface and the second sidesurface are perpendicular to the front surface.
 29. The remote controldevice of claim 15, wherein the user interface comprises an actuationportion that may be actuated to generate the user input.
 30. The remotecontrol device of claim 29, wherein the user interface is configured asa touch sensitive surface.
 31. The remote control device of claim 29,wherein the user interface comprises a rotating portion rotatable withrespect to the base.